Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers took a big step in his recovery from a fractured collarbone during Thursday's practice when he was able to wear pads, but it doesn't mean that the signal caller will necessarily be ready to return when the Packers host the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday at Lambeau Field.
According to NFL.com, it was the first time since breaking his collarbone on Nov. 4 that Rodgers practiced in pads, taking a big step towards coming back to the field.
While it was good news for Rodgers, it was reported earlier this week that he didn't get clearance from team doctors to play in Sunday's game, and Matt Flynn took first-team reps in practice for the second straight day for Green Bay as Rodgers was limited to individual drills, according to NFL.com. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said that Rodgers was "a step closer" to returning, but that there was still no clearance for Sunday's game.
It's a positive step to have Rodgers back on the field in pads, but the doctors didn't clear him for action Tuesday which disappointed the Packers' best player.
"At this point, it's really about the risk of going back out there," Rodgers said on his weekly radio show Tuesday, according to ESPN. "I can't say this morning was the greatest news because I was hoping for full clearance to get back out there and we didn't get that. It's Tuesday so we have a good amount of time before the game."
McCarthy noted that the team wants the quarterback to return but can't rush him back.
"Well, Aaron wants to play, there's no question about it," McCarthy said Tuesday per ESPN. "But it's a medical situation. He has a clear understanding where he is as far as the process of getting back on the field."
McCarthy also denied rumors that the Packers were planning on shutting him down for the rest of the season.
"There has been no internal conversation about shutting Aaron Rodgers down," McCarthy told ESPN. "Aaron wants to play. When he's healthy, he'll be given the opportunity to play."
NFL.com reported that Rodgers is unlikely to play for the Packers (5-6-1) on Sunday against the Falcons because he has to show he can withstand contact and can't play until a scan clears him and there have been no scans scheduled.
Before the injury, Rodgers was 168-for-251 (66.9%) for 2,218 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.
It appears as though the Packers will turn to Flynn instead of Rodgers in a virtual must-win game on Sunday.
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